TEXT: JAN KNOPP / ILLUSTRATIONEN: JASMIN WAGNER

For some, the road is a symbol of freedom; a place they long for. For others, the road is absolute misery. It is all they have. Over 1,000 people sleep on the streets in Hamburg. Four times as many are in public housing. The way back into society is rocky at best. For those who have landed on the street, a comeback is grueling. For those who end up there, fate has dealt a mighty blow. In order for them to cope and trust themselves again takes some time. The majority spend an average of five years on the road.

Peter ended up in the streets after jail, drug addiction and divorce. The worst misery set in when he was in total solitude. Apart from his loneliness and shame, there were imminent and realizable physical dangers. After all, the homeless have to cope with everyday life.
After 7 years, Peter has done it thanks to Kunzt & Hinz, Hamburg Street Magazine and the project to support housing and the homeless. His mission now is to carry forth the message of what he has been through. Peter’s rise from the streets began with small steps. The alternative tour, now in its sixth year, was initially limited to two tours - intended for the employees of Hinz & Kunzt.


So many questions arose from the first few tours that he had to continue. The tours are parts of his old life, and all of his new life. He has regained from them what he lost in the streets – his self-esteem and vitality.
There are no fixed dates for the tours at Hinz & Kunzt. Simply call and make arrangements. Take a walk on the other side.
The tour will immerse you into Peter’s world as he tells stories of his old life without fear or shame. So, immerse yourself in its urban imprisonment: a world that is happening around us, ever present. And after the tour, you may see a living world in the eyes of strangers that you may not have given a second glance to before.
folkd
Mister Wong
del.icio.us